I've re-used the cardboard bobbins and simply handwound same color embroidery thread....I didn't have a large design or large quantity to do so it worked great. I still keep many of the empty cardboard ones; you never know when you might need one. Dorothy Compton Bee Embroidered _www.BeeEmbroidered.com_ (http://www.beeembroidered.com/) (916) 635-7467 Rancho Cordova, CA